Machico Beach - Beach with ocean under a bright blue sky.
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Machico Beach

4.4
·6k reviews·Machico, Portugal

Madeira's rare golden sandy beach, a sheltered man-made cove near the airport, perfect for relaxation and unique plane-spotting views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Machico Beach - Beach with ocean under a bright blue sky.

Machico Beach

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Madeira's rare golden sandy beach, a sheltered man-made cove near the airport, perfect for relaxation and unique plane-spotting views.

4.4
(6k reviews)

"A man made cove, with golden sandy beach, a rarity in Madeira."

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TIP

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough on holidays and weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays for easier access.

🏖️ Sandy Beach Rarity

Enjoy one of Madeira's few true sandy beaches, perfect for a relaxing day.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Golden Sandy Shore

Golden Sandy Shore

Machico Beach

Enjoy the rare golden sand on Madeira, imported from North Africa for a unique beach experience.

Sheltered Marina Cove

Sheltered Marina Cove

Machico Bay

A calm, protected bay perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying the views of the harbor.

Airport Views

Airport Views

Machico Beach

Watch planes take off and land while you relax on the beach – a unique travel perk!

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Planning Your Visit

Golden Sands, Island Rarity

Machico Beach is one of Madeira's few sandy beaches, with golden sand imported from North Africa. It's a man-made cove, sheltered by piers, making it a unique spot for sunbathing and swimming. Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot, as it can get busy.

Convenience Near the Airport

Located just minutes from Madeira Airport (FNC), Machico Beach is perfect for a relaxed first or last stop on your island adventure. You can even watch planes take off while you relax on the sand, offering a unique travel experience.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early afternoon
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for people-watching
Crowd
Medium
When
April
Why
Water is still cool, fewer swimmers
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tips for your next trip to Monaco 🇲🇨#monaco #travel #tips #visitmonaco
@jyptravels
43K likes • 1.5M views

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough on holidays and weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays for easier access. Reddit

🏖️ Sandy Beach Rarity

Enjoy one of Madeira's few true sandy beaches, perfect for a relaxing day. Instagram+1

Praia de Machico is a charming beach located near the town of Machico on Madeira Island, Portugal. It’s one of the few sandy beaches on the island, with golden sand imported from North Africa. The beach is clean, offers facilities like toilets and changing rooms, and is flanked by the Machico harbor on one side and the Ribeira da Machico estuary on the other. 🚌 To get to Praia de Machico from Fun...
around.madeira
432 likes • 27.5K views
🌴 Machico no seu melhor! A melhor praia da Madeira, com areia amarela, sem pedras e uma água cristalina que convida a mergulhar. Simplesmente espetacular! 🏖️✨ Ao fundo, o incrível Baía Beach Club, com uma esplanada sobre o mar que torna tudo ainda mais especial. 🍹🌊 Vem sentir este paraíso! #Machico #PraiaDaMadeira #BaíaBeachClub #VerãoNaIlha #VibesDaMadeira
dariorfsilva
553 likes • 25.2K views

✈️ Airport Proximity

Conveniently located near the airport, ideal for a first or last stop. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Water Temperature

Water can be cool, especially in April, so be prepared for a refreshing dip! Reddit

Driving through few more tunnels on the east side of Madeira took me here... Golden sand on a volcanic island? Yep 😍 Turns out it was brought all the way from Morocco 🇲🇦 Machico Beach is just minutes from the airport. You can even spot planes taking off while you swim or tan 🏖️ Perfect for a relaxed first or last stop in Madeira! 📍 Save it for your Madeira travel list #madeiratraveltips #europet...
worldingmore
22 likes • 478 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tough on holidays and weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays for easier access. Reddit

🏖️ Sandy Beach Rarity

Enjoy one of Madeira's few true sandy beaches, perfect for a relaxing day. Instagram+1

✈️ Airport Proximity

Conveniently located near the airport, ideal for a first or last stop. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Water Temperature

Water can be cool, especially in April, so be prepared for a refreshing dip! Reddit

🏐 Beach Volleyball

There's a beach volleyball court for some active fun. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Machico Beach is praised for its rare golden sand and sheltered, calm waters, making it a pleasant man-made cove. Visitors appreciate the convenient facilities, proximity to the airport, and the unique experience of watching planes. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, and parking can be a challenge.

"It's a ⛱️ beach. You can find food close by, which is a plus. However, it can get overly busy at times. I prefer to go during the week during 'working hours' to find a good spot."

Sol II Sea Music Duo

"Really nice small man made beach in a sheltered Marina cove, but if you crave a sandy beach on Madeira there is only a couple to choose from.
Shallow for a part then drops deep
Clean changing facilities, toilets and showers Free
Onsite Beach volleyball court and floating platform with a rocky pier

Crowded in peak but everyone lovely and polite
Worth the trip"

gregg lindsay

"A man made cove, with golden sandy beach, a rarity in Madeira. We love it, and drove around the town... tried to park our hired car, but no chance as it was a bank Holiday and the cars were all parked in the bays. And big crowds. Maybe another day!!"

TT Oh

What People Like

Golden sandy beach
Calm, sheltered waters
Airport proximity

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Parking difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Machico Beach from Funchal by car, taking approximately 20-30 minutes via the VR1 highway. Public buses are also available, offering a more budget-friendly option. Instagram

Yes, Machico Beach is very close to Madeira Airport (FNC), just a few minutes' drive away, making it a convenient stop upon arrival or before departure. Instagram

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times and holidays. There are some street parking spots, but they fill up quickly. Consider arriving early or during weekdays. Reddit

Machico Beach is located within the town of Machico, so it's easily accessible on foot from most parts of the town center. Instagram

Regular public bus services connect Machico to other towns on Madeira, including Funchal. Taxis are also readily available. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Machico Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea for free. Reddit

As a public beach, Machico Beach is accessible at all hours. However, facilities like changing rooms and toilets are typically open during daylight hours. Reddit

No, tickets are not required for Machico Beach as it is a public space. You can visit anytime. Reddit

Generally, there are no strict restrictions, but it's always good practice to be mindful of cleanliness and dispose of your waste properly. Reddit

The boardwalk and piers offer relatively easy access, but the sandy area itself might be challenging for wheelchairs. Facilities are generally accessible. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Machico Beach offers clean changing rooms, toilets, and showers, all free to use. There's also a beach volleyball court and a floating platform. Reddit

Yes, Machico Beach is suitable for swimming. The water is generally calm due to the sheltered bay, though it can be cool, especially in cooler months. Reddit

You can find paddleboarders and potentially other water sports activities organized by local centers near the beach. Instagram

The sand at Machico Beach is golden and fine, imported from North Africa, making it a rare and pleasant sandy beach on Madeira. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Due to its proximity to the airport, you can often see planes taking off while enjoying your time on the beach. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are numerous eateries and restaurants located along the boardwalk and in the surrounding town of Machico, offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Reddit

Machico offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes and snack bars to restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Madeiran dishes. Reddit

You'll find several small shops and kiosks along the promenade selling snacks, ice cream, and drinks, perfect for a beach day. Reddit

Yes, the Baía Beach Club is located at the end of the beach, offering a terrace with sea views and a place to enjoy drinks and food. Instagram

You are welcome to have a picnic. There are plenty of spots along the promenade or on the sand to enjoy your own food. Remember to clean up afterwards. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique golden sand, the sheltered bay with its piers, and the planes taking off from the nearby airport. The Baía Beach Club also offers scenic views. Instagram+1

While the beach faces south, the surrounding town and harbor can offer pleasant evening light for photography. The sunset might be better viewed from higher vantage points. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the golden sand and calm waters. Late afternoon also offers softer light before sunset. Instagram

Yes, the proximity to the airport makes it a great spot for plane spotting and photography, especially during takeoffs. Instagram

Besides the beach itself, the Machico harbor, the town's church, and the surrounding hills offer picturesque backdrops. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Machico Beach is a fantastic choice for families. Its sheltered bay means calmer waters, making it safer for children to paddle and swim. The golden sand is soft and pleasant for playing and building sandcastles. With free-to-use changing rooms, toilets, and showers, managing a day out with kids is much easier. Reddit

The beach's proximity to the airport also means less travel stress for families with young children. You can easily fit in a beach visit without a long journey. Plus, the nearby eateries offer convenient options for family meals. Instagram

☀️ Sun Worshippers & Beach Lovers

For those who love to soak up the sun, Machico Beach offers a rare treat on Madeira: imported golden sand. This provides a comfortable and visually appealing surface for lounging. The sheltered nature of the bay ensures a pleasant swimming experience, and the availability of facilities like showers means you can rinse off easily after a day by the sea. Instagram+1

If you enjoy a bit of activity with your relaxation, the beach volleyball court is a great addition. The nearby Baía Beach Club also provides a stylish spot to enjoy a drink with a view. It’s a well-rounded beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy the Madeiran coast. Instagram

✈️ Day-Trippers & Transit Travelers

Machico Beach is a perfect stop for day-trippers or travelers with layovers due to its exceptional proximity to Madeira Airport. You can easily spend a few hours here to relax and recharge before your next flight or as part of a quick exploration of the island. The convenience of facilities like changing rooms and showers makes it practical for a short visit. Instagram

Its location also means you can experience a taste of Madeira's coastal charm without committing to a full day of travel. Grab a quick bite at one of the nearby eateries, enjoy the unique sandy beach, and even watch planes take off – it’s an efficient way to add a memorable experience to your travel plans. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Sands of Machico

Machico Beach stands out on Madeira for its golden sand, a rarity on an island known for its pebble and volcanic beaches. This sand was intentionally imported from North Africa, creating a soft, inviting surface for sunbathers and beachgoers. The beach is a man-made cove, carefully constructed with two piers that shelter the bay, ensuring calmer waters ideal for swimming and relaxation. This sheltered environment makes it a popular choice for families and those seeking a more tranquil beach experience compared to some of Madeira's wilder coastlines. Instagram+1

Despite its artificial origins, Machico Beach offers a comfortable and accessible seaside escape. The presence of a brick boardwalk and nearby eateries enhances its appeal as a convenient destination. It's a place where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of the beach, from building sandcastles to simply soaking up the sun, all within a picturesque setting. Reddit

Proximity to the Airport: A Traveler's Perk

One of the most compelling aspects of Machico Beach is its strategic location near Madeira Airport (FNC). This makes it an ideal spot for travelers looking to maximize their time on the island. Whether you're arriving early or departing late, a visit to Machico Beach can be a seamless addition to your itinerary. Imagine stepping off your flight and heading straight for a relaxing swim, or enjoying a final sunbathe before catching your plane – it’s a unique travel convenience. Instagram

This proximity also means you can easily incorporate a beach visit into a day trip or a shorter stay. It offers a chance to experience Madeira's coastal beauty without venturing too far from the main transport hub. For those who appreciate efficiency and want to make the most of their travel time, Machico Beach provides a perfect solution, blending relaxation with practical travel planning. Instagram

Activities and Amenities at Machico Beach

Beyond just sunbathing, Machico Beach offers several amenities and activities to enhance your visit. The beach is equipped with clean changing rooms, toilets, and showers, all available free of charge, adding to the convenience for visitors. For those looking for a bit of sport, there's a beach volleyball court available, providing a fun way to stay active. Reddit

A notable feature is the floating platform and a rocky pier, which can be used for various purposes, from sunbathing to accessing the water. Local surf camps also utilize the waters here, indicating potential for water sports like paddleboarding. The nearby Baía Beach Club adds another dimension, offering a place to relax with drinks and enjoy views over the sea. Instagram+1

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